DNR proposes giving AIDEA nearly 20,000 acres near Houston at no cost

Nearly 20,000 acres of state land two miles north of Houston would pass to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority at no cost under a preliminary decision from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

The Division of Mining, Land and Water proposes conveying about 19,950 acres in the Mat-Su for public and charitable use. DNR would waive the statutory reversionary interest, the state's right to take the land back if it is not used as intended. AIDEA describes an intermodal logistics hub, energy corridors, manufacturing pads and data centers.

The parcel is unzoned. It contains anadromous streams, including Deception Creek.

Rep. Jubilee Underwood wrote on Facebook on July 15 that "the majority of constituents who have contacted me have expressed concerns about the possibility of data centers and the potential impact on the existing trail systems."

How to comment before the deadline

Comments are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. DNR is accepting them through the division's online comment form at dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/comment/submit/?topic=aidea_pcua, and commenters should reference the case number, ADL 234762.

Only those who comment on time may appeal the final decision.